Complementary cities
San Cristobal,Tenerife, the historical and cultural capital is only a short ride away from Santa Cruz, one of the pair of political capitals. We have two choices: "guaguas” (bus) or tram. The tram appeals to us. Getting a ticket is easy.
Are we already there…?
The cities are so close together that within a few minutes we see a significant building. It is the famed, elegant University San Cristobal de la Laguna, the oldest university in the archipelago.
Taking it from the square
We start at Conception Square, one of the city’s important squares and explore. We are surrounded by colourful buildings, pretty cottages and a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars.The Church of the Immaculate Conception Looks unassuming but its interior is quite impressive. The top of its bell tower offers wonderful views of the city.
Built for the capital
La Laguna Cathedral with a stunning interior was built in the early 1900s. The Cathedral was built in La Laguna because at that time it was the capital of the Canary Islands. Its various architectural styles include the Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic and Baroque. It is considered to be one of the few Spanish Cathedrals of Art since it includes a huge collection of15th century beautiful, original religious paintings. The stained glass, the ornaments and the adornments in the side chapels are all astounding. Unsurprising as the cathedral’s interior houses a wide range of religious heritage . This includes a huge collection of beautiful original religious paintings from the 15th century to more recent times, stunning stained glass artwork, lovely side chapels with striking ornaments and a magnificent altarpiece.
Changing facades due to ravages of time
The small Chapel of San Miguel was once meant to be a Mausoleum.
It is interesting how the various parish buildings take on different facades on different sides. It's probably due to natural destruction and thence rebuilding.
World Heritage indeed.
As we approach the historic centre the colonial ambiance is unmistakable. The buildings that surround us are steeped in history. A stroll takes us past monasteries, large mansions and modest houses with typically colourful doors and windows as well as balconies. The streets are long and often end in large open spaces with several statues.
The mansions and monasteries open into lush landscaped courtyards with typical Canarian Island home designs. They are decorated with wooden balconies, timber columns and a majestic garden with a fountain in the middle.
Messes on the swamp
But the layout of the old city seems to be haphazard. The city was built on the site of a shallow lake (laguna) or swamp that was drained. The first inhabitants were mostly soldiers. They could build anywhere in the public space within the fortified area.
But when it resulted in a mess, a plan based on Da Vinci's plan for the city of Imole was adapted by the then ruler. Also, at this time, all buildings in cane were ordered to be destroyed for, naturally they were fire hazards.
The city lost its importance when the capital was transferred to Santa Cruz in the 18th century. Tourism is now flourishing.
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